HB 6644 Summary

• Requires service coordinators to meet with parents at least three months before a child's third birthday to provide contact information for special education services and share the individualized family service plan with the school district.

• Mandates the Department of Education develop age-appropriate, multilingual informational handouts by January 1, 2024 explaining individualized education programs (IEPs) and Section 504 plans for students in grades K-4, 5-8, and 9-12, including a glossary of common implementation tools.

• Requires school districts to provide eligible children with developmental screening referrals through a mobile application designated by the Commissioner of Early Childhood if the child is found ineligible for preschool special education services.

• Requires schools to inform parents and students of special education rights at initial identification and each planning meeting, including the right to obtain a separate plain language document explaining the hearing and appeals process and local advocacy resources.

• Effective July 1, 2023.